Self-Esteem Declines Sharply Among Older Adults

Medical News Today

Self-esteem rises steadily as people age but starts declining around the time of retirement, according to a longitudinal study of men and women ranging in age from 25 to 104.

“Self-esteem is related to better health, less criminal behavior, lower levels of depression and, overall, greater success in life,” said the study’s lead author, Ulrich Orth, PhD. “Therefore, it’s important to learn more about how the average person’s self-esteem changes over time.”

Self-esteem was lowest among young adults but increased throughout adulthood, peaking at age 60, before it started to decline.

The researchers measured self-esteem by asking participants to rate their level of agreement with statements such as, “I take a positive attitude toward myself,” which suggests high self-esteem; “At times I think I am no good at all” and “All in all, I am inclined to feel that I am a failure,” which both suggest low self-esteem.

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